The Algerian Ministry of Public Works and Basic Infrastructure has announced the latest developments in the expansion project of the phosphate port in Annaba. The project involves the construction of a mining quay on an area of 82 hectares. According to the ministry, various construction sites are witnessing progress in the works of completing the piles, filling, and soil reinforcement, in addition to the concrete structures.
The piling works, which are one of the basic operations in the project, are progressing at an accelerated pace. A total of 1092 piles have been completed out of 1322 programmed piles, with a rate of 7 to 10 piles per day. The construction of the superstructure of the quay wall is also ongoing, with 88 reinforced concrete beams and 880 precast reinforced concrete slabs completed.
The filling works behind the quay and in the depths using sea sand have also made significant progress. The volume of filling works completed on the rear platform of the quay has reached 1.5 million cubic meters, while the total volume of filling works completed has exceeded 2.5 million cubic meters. Additionally, the vibratory treatment of the sandy soil is ongoing to improve its properties and enhance its load-bearing capacity.
The project also involves the construction of a new water barrier to protect the quay from waves and sea currents. A total of 4.2 million tons of stones have been placed out of 5.5 million tons programmed, in addition to the placement of heavy rocks and concrete blocks. The dredging works to reach the required depths, particularly in the basin, which targets a depth of 16 meters below sea level, have also made progress.
A total of 10.6 million cubic meters of dredging works have been completed out of 13 million cubic meters programmed. This project is a key part of the integrated phosphate project, which aims to transport phosphate extracted from mines in Tebessa province to Annaba province, before exporting it to external markets via the Eastern Mining Railway line, which is currently under construction.
The integrated phosphate project is a strategic project that aims to diversify Algeria's economy and reduce its dependence on hydrocarbons. The project is expected to have a significant impact on the country's economy and employment. The President of the Republic, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, had ordered the start of exporting the first shipments of enriched phosphate from the integrated phosphate project by March 2027.
The progress made on the phosphate port expansion project reflects the Algerian government's efforts to develop the country's infrastructure and promote economic growth. The project is expected to be completed in the near future, which will boost the country's phosphate exports and contribute to the growth of the national economy.
Key points
- The Algerian government aims to start exporting phosphate from the project by March 2027.
